Sedona to Laramie Road Trip: Red Rocks to High Plains

The drive from Sedona, Arizona to Laramie, Wyoming spans about 870 miles, crossing the Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and the high plains. Unlike the direct I-17/I-25 route, savvy travelers take US-89 and US-191 for unmatched scenery. This guide tackles the question is it worth driving Sedona, AZ to Laramie, WY—absolutely. The route passes through the oldest national monument in Arizona (Montezuma Castle National Monument, established 1906) and over the Continental Divide at Rabbit Ears Pass (9,426 ft).

From Sedona’s red sandstone pinnacles to Wyoming’s High Plains, the terrain shifts through Monument Valley’s buttes, Moab’s red rock arches, the Uinta Mountains, and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado, a short detour) and the Taos Pueblo (New Mexico, further detour). Along US-191, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers deep canyons and a reservoir. In Laramie, the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site (1872) provides cultural depth.

• Mesa Verde: 70-mile detour from Cortez, CO; allow 4 hours
• Monument Valley: 120-mile detour from US-89; scenic drive fee $20
• Arches National Park: near Moab; timed entry required Mar-Oct
• Willow Creek Unit (Dinosaur Diamond): dinosaur fossils near Vernal, UT

Safety: Winter storms can close I-80 between Elk Mountain and Laramie (snow fences visible). Summer brings monsoon thunderstorms with flash floods on desert roads. Carry water, blankets, and a physical map. Fuel range: 300 miles between Moab and Rock Springs; fill up in Green River, UT.

• Family stops: Frontier Park (Flagstaff), Moab Giants dinosaur museum, Fossil Butte National Monument, Laramie’s Wyoming Territorial Prison
• Pet-friendly: Sedona’s Bell Rock Trail, Moab’s Sand Dunes Arch, many National Forests allow dogs on leash
• Fatigue stops: Rest areas near Green River, WY and at the Continental Divide pullout

For more tips on planning stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The optimal path splits into two scenic days. Day 1: Sedona to Moab, UT (280 miles, 5 hours via US-89A/US-89/US-191). Day 2: Moab to Laramie (380 miles, 6.5 hours via US-191/I-80). Gas stations cluster around Flagstaff, Page, Moab, and Rock Springs. EV charging is sparse in rural Arizona; plan at Marble Canyon or Bluff. Cell service drops near the Navajo Nation and through Ashley National Forest. Download offline maps.

• Distance: 870 miles (1,400 km)
• Time: 13-15 hours driving, 2 recommended days
• Fuel stops: Flagstaff, Page, Bluff, Moab, Vernal, Rock Springs, Laramie
• Tolls: None; national parks charge entry ($30-35 per vehicle)
• Best stops Sedona, AZ to Laramie, WY: see below